Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears LB Marcus Reese has all the physical tools to make the team and contribute this season. "He's what we're looking for at the position: athletic, quick, good movement, good change of direction and good in space," coach Lovie Smith said. "He played a little bit of safety, so he has real good DB skills. He's that prototype that we're looking for right now." Smith stressed that Reese has the potential to win the starting strong side linebacker position ahead of LBs Joe Odom and Bryan Knight this year. "Athletically, he's as well-suited to play the position as any of the guys that we have," Smith said. "I would say that he will be in the mix before it's all said and done."

Mike Mulligan reports for the Sporting News that Chicago Bears OLB Bryan Knight has struggled with pass coverage. Despite having good straight-line speed and rushing ability, Knight has to prove he's more than just a special team player.

The Chicago Sun Times reports Chicago Bears LB Joe Odom appears out of shape thus far in mini-camp. Although he practiced with the starting unit in Friday's practice, March 26, LB Bryan Knight lined up with the starters in Saturday's practice. While Odom has lost ten pounds recently, he needs to continue to improve his conditioning. ''You should have seen him six weeks ago,'' head coach Lovie Smith said.

Updating previous reports, the Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs practiced with the first team in the morning practice on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Head coach Dick Jauron said Briggs will see some time with the first team defense on Friday, Aug. 22, leaving the possibility that Briggs could wrestle away the starting spot from Bryan Knight.

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun Times, reports Chicago Bears DE Chris DeMaree will get a chance to show the team what he can do at linebacker. With an injury to LB Bryan Knight (knee) the Bears have shifted Demaree to strong side linebacker for a look.

Updating previous reports, Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears LB Bryan Knight (knee) will miss practice the rest of the week and sit out Saturday's, Aug. 16, preseason game against the Denver Broncos due to a sore right knee.

Updating previous reports, David Haugh, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears LB Bryan Knight (knee) was scheduled to fly to New York on Wednesday, August 13 to get a second opinion on his strained right knee. Bears head coach Dick Jauron said he could return to the field as soon as Thursday.

David Haugh, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears rookie LB Lance Briggs has been taking snaps with the No. 1 defense at outside linebacker in place of injured starting LB Bryan Knight (knee).

Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears LB Bryan Knight (knee) sprained his right knee during the Bears game on Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. the Colts. He is expected to miss a few days of practice.

Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com reports the Chicago Bears have been pleased with what LB Bryan Knight has showed them so far. Knight has impressed coaches with his ability as a third-down edge rusher. "Bryan's very athletic," said defensive coordinator Greg Blache. "He's got real fine speed. He's come along well; he's progressed a great deal. He does not have a lot of playing experience, so consequently he's going to need to see a lot in the preseason."

Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears LB Bryan Knight hopes to emerge as a key contributor at linebacker this season. Knight is first in line to replace departed free agent LB Rosevelt Colvin.

ChicagoBears.com reports Chicago Bears LB Bryan Knight is projected to take over for LB Rosevelt Colvin. "Bryan Knight is somebody that when we drafted him, he was very prototypical of Rosey when he came out," said Bears GM Jerry Angelo. "He did a nice job in the time that he was allowed to play." Knight had minor surgery February 21 to repair a sprained tendon in his left middle finger. Knight will wear a splint for another few weeks but will be ready to participate without limitations in the post-draft mini-camp.

The Daily Herald reports the three-year contract signed by fifth-round draft pick, LB Bryan Knight, with the Chicago Bears is valued at $1.01 million. It included a $102,000 signing bonus and base salaries of $225,000, $300,000 and $380,000 over the next three seasons.